Simple pneumatic ejector pump with exhaust valve for continuous flow air source system and method of use

ABSTRACT

A simple pneumatic ejector pump system allows for efficient transfer of a fluid such as water and has an air release port check valve assembly that opens as the chamber of the X-Pump empties so that it rapidly fills with water again. The air release port check valve assembly works with a check valve on a siphon tube to ensure that the pumping process occurs smoothly and at high efficiency.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to pump systems, and more specifically, to a simple pneumatic ejector pump with exhaust valve for continuous flow air source system that creates a steady fluid flow from one location to another.

2. Description of Related Art

Pump systems are well known in the art and are effective means to move fluids about. Pumps are commonly used in industries such as agriculture, aquaculture, hydroponics, and aquaponics. There are many types of pumps that use electricity to operate a mechanical device that acts directly on the water to pump it. There are others that use air to act on the water to displace it for pumping. Of those that do, the simple Pneumatic Ejector Pump (PEP) is underutilized as one that does use air. Likely due to its disadvantages.

Prior art of a PEP system consists of a chamber, to which there is an air input, a water input with a check valve, and a combined exhaust tube/u-tube (or inverted bell siphon) which join near the top of a pump chamber. Continuous air input is all that is required for this pump to operate this type of pump. This type of construction has one moving part, the water input check valve.

One of the problems commonly associated with electric motor pumps and impeller-based pumps in addition to their expense is their limited use. They frequently break or require maintenance.

Pneumatic Ejector pumps that do exist are electrically and mechanically controlled and cycled well beyond the application of check valves. Merely pumping air into them would not be enough for them to function.

In a submersible PEP system, the depth of submersion is crucial to the functioning of the pump system. As airflow is increased there is an additional need to submerse this type of pump system deeper into the water in order to raise the equilibrium level of the air and water entering through the air port, the siphon and the air escaping through the u-tube.

In an un-immersed pump system, as the airflow entering the system is increased the equilibrium level is decreased. The system thus becomes unstable at higher airflows and will not fully fill, barely activating the u-tube due to excessive pressure on the system.

In an un-immersed pump system, exhausting the air through the u-tube causes the fill times to be longer due to water remaining in the u-tube after exhaust. As well as hindering fill times, this makes a constant burping sound while the pump refills which some can find objectionable. The water source level also affects the equilibrium level. As the water source level decreases the equilibrium level decreases, this will cause an otherwise functioning pump to fail.

The water source height differential over that of the chamber lid must be greater as the airflow is increased in order to compensate for the decrease in equilibrium level as the airflow was increased. This fill time is dependent upon and increases with additional airflow. The length of the exit pipe after the chamber is a significant contributor to the overall decrease in efficiency, this in terms of fill times as just mentioned, the pipe length represents resistance and increases the fill times.

In all cases this type of un-immersed pump, an increase in airflow will cause a reduction in efficiency, even to the point of failure to fill/pump. Additionally, at higher airflow prior to failure, the volume of water pumped per cycle is reduced as the u-tube empties out more quickly than the chamber itself until total failure as the equilibrium level occurs. Modifications to the u-tube without addressing the pressure issue yield little if any improvements. The water level requirement is exacerbated because of the sensitivity that the simple PEP has regarding airflow.

Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of pump systems, many shortcomings remain. The art does not address the needs of a simple PEP pump system that exists outside of a water source and does not require immersion.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a simple pneumatic ejector pump system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional front view of the X-Pump of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are an exploded and assembled view, respectively of air release port check valve assembly; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the preferred method of use of the system of FIG. 1.

While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional pumps. Specifically, the invention of the present application allows for increase fluid movement and eliminates the failures that result from pressure or volume differentials in the system. In addition, the cost of the system of the present application is affordable at any level. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a simple pneumatic ejector pump system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system 101 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional pump systems.

In the contemplated embodiment, system 101 includes a reservoir 103 with a fluid body 105 such as water. A siphon tube 107 is in fluid communication with an X-Pump 109 that is further in fluid communication with the reservoir 103 via a tube 111. It is contemplated that the siphon tube 107 could be replaced by a pressurized fluid source that enters the X-Pump 109 directly.

The X-Pump 109 as depicted by FIG. 2 includes a housing 201 that creates a chamber 203 between the sidewalls 205, a floor 207 and a lid 209. The siphon tube 107 passes through the lid 209 and has a check valve 211 and a priming port 213. An air input tube 215 also passes through the lid and ends in an air stone 217. It is contemplated that the air input tube 215 allows pressurized air to enter the chamber 203. An exhaust tube 219 also passes through the lid and is configures to allow excess pressure to escape the chamber 203. An air release port check valve assembly 221 is also attached to the lid 209 and passes therethrough.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B the air release port check valve assembly 221 is depicted in an exploded view and an assembled view, respectively. Air release port check valve assembly 221 includes a float 301, that is pivotally attached to a valve seat 303 via a hinge 305 and having a seating pad 307 therebetween. The valve seat 303 passes through the lid 209 and is secured thereto by a cracking pin guide bracket 309 via a set of threads 311. An O-ring 313 is located between the bracket 309 and seat 303. A cracking pin 315 rests in the cracking pin guide bracket 309 and is secured thereto by a spring adjustment screw 317. A spring 319 is attached to the cracking pin 315 by a stay disk 321 and the spring adjustment screw 317. A travel adjustment collar 323 is further attached to the cracking pin 315 via a set screw 325.

To operate the system 101, place the end of the siphon tube 107 with the check valve 213 in the fluid 105 of the reservoir 103 or another such water source. Ensure that the water height is greater than the height of the lid 209 of the chamber 203. Ensure that the siphon tube 107 and chamber 203 are primed with water or the fluid to be pumped.

Air is then pumped into the chamber 203 via the air input tube 215. The air displaces the fluid 105 such as water in the chamber 203 through the tube 111. This pumping portion of the cycle ends when air escapes through the bottom of the exhaust tube 219. As the air escapes through the exhaust tube 219 it causes the check valve 213 and the air release port check valve assembly 221 to open and begin the fill portion of the cycle.

Water or another fluid 105 enters the chamber 203 from the siphon tube 107 forcing the air in the chamber out of the air release port check valve assembly 221. When the water level reaches the height of the float 301 the air release port check valve assembly 221 closes that also causes the check valve 211 to close. This ends the fill portion of the cycle and begins another pump portion of the cycle once again.

The spring adjustment screw 317 is used to adjust the cracking pressure of the cracking pin 315 to achieve an airflow from the air input tube 215. The greater the airflow, the greater this pressure needs to be for the system 101 to function smoothly.

It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is that the air release port check valve 221 on the lid 209 of system 101 allows for the maximum volume to be pumped with minimal fill times. This invention further enables higher airflow rates and as a result higher efficiency. This increased efficiency is marked by more cycles per unit time that pumps 300% more fluid per unit time. It will be appreciated that this is accomplished by the release of the pressure associated with filling the chamber 203 thus the chamber 203 fills faster and more completely.

The air stone 217 aerates the water in the chamber 203 as the air displaces the water also. The added use of the airflow to simultaneously aerate the water is considered a benefit. Many industries mentioned above utilize such oxygenated water. For example, hydroponics relies heavily on aerated (and this oxygenated) water, as does aquaponics. Aeration in the chamber 203 is considered unique, and while it is not required in the system 101 in order to displace water it adds to the system 101 by providing additional benefit as well as pumping water.

Another unique feature believed characteristic of the present application is that the siphon tube 107 with its check valve 211 facilitates the priming of the system 101 as does the priming port 213. The configuration of the system 101 enables maintenance to be performed quickly and efficiently.

Referring now to FIG. 4 the preferred method of use of the system 101 is depicted. Method 401 includes placing the siphon tube in a fluid body 403, priming the X-Pump 405, activating an air supply so that air is forced in the chamber 407, allowing the chamber to fill with air 409, allowing the check valve to open and the air release port check valve assembly to open 411, allowing the chamber to fill with fluid 413 and allowing the process to repeat 415.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

What is claimed:
 1. A simple pneumatic ejector pump system comprising: an x-pump in fluid communication with a fluid body via a tube and a siphon tube; the x-pump including an air release port check valve assembly that passes through the lid of a chamber formed by sidewalls and a floor; wherein fluid is moved from the x-pump to the fluid body by air pressure; and wherein the air release port check valve assembly allows the chamber to quickly fill and empty all of the contents thereof.
 2. The method of transferring a fluid from one place to another, comprising: placing the siphon tube in a fluid body; priming the X-Pump; activating an air supply so that air is forced in the chamber; allowing the chamber to fill with air; allowing the check valve to open and the air release port check valve assembly to open; allowing the chamber to fill with fluid; and allowing the process to repeat. 